THE story of Ben Oakley is not an unfamiliar one.
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A chronic pain sufferer who finds relief from that pain and a new lease on life from the use of medicinal cannabis oil capsules.
While there are others who choose to treat themselves in the more traditional form, those who suffer severe seizures or chronic pain have spoken of the life-changing impact of the oil capsules across the country.
Ben, a young man from Towradgi, had suffered numerous life-threatening spasms a day caused by a rare condition known as stiff person syndrome.
It's a neurological disorder which causes muscle pain and, as the condition’s name suggests, rigidity to the body.
The cannabis oil helps relieve those effects.
In the last 10 months though, he's had just one spasm.
Before, his life was unbearably restricted.
This is a man of just 20 years of age.
Now, he has started to regain the life that many of us simply take for granted each day.
The young man was centre stage in Canberra as the Federal Government introduced its medicinal cannabis legislation.
The Turnbull Government’s proposed amendments to the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 will enable a national licensing and permit scheme.
“This bill is a huge step forward to getting medicinal cannabis legalised,’’ Mr Oakley said.
‘’However it’s still an illegal drug and I won’t stop until that changes – if I had it taken away from me now I would be back where I was 10 months ago – stuck on the couch and in constant pain.
‘’It’s changed my life – and it can change the lives of a lot of people who struggle with chronic pain.’’
Throsby MP and Shadow Assistant Minister for Health Stephen Jones welcomes the legislation but is calling for more action.
‘’We want Australian producers to be able to legally cultivate and manufacture medicinal cannabis products. But this bill doesn’t deal with the legal issues around personal possession and use.’’
People like Ben Oakley, treating their condition medically, deserve to live a normal life and do it without fear of legal prosecution.
Congratulations Ben on taking a stand – literally.
Hopefully you continue to see improvements in your young life.